Truss support system

ABSTRACT

A truss support system ( 10 ) comprises a support pole ( 12 ), a connector ( 14 ) located at one end of the support pole ( 12 ) and for connecting to a scaffold pole ( 16 ), a first extendable arm ( 18 ) connected at one end to the support pole ( 12 ) and extending away from the support pole ( 12 ), and a first fixing plate ( 20 ) connected to the first extendable arm  18  at the opposite end to the support pole ( 12 ). The truss support system ( 10 ) is also provided with a second extendable arm connected at one end to the support pole ( 12 ) and extending away from the support pole ( 12 ), and a second fixing plate connected to the second extendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole ( 12 ).

This invention relates to a truss support system and to a method ofoperating the truss support system.

In many new buildings, pitched roofs are built using a number of woodenroof trusses, which are often prefabricated. Storage and movement of thetrusses can be dangerous and any accident can result in life-changinginjuries or death. A standard pack of trusses weighs around 500 kilosand each block wall on a roof is a further tonne of weight, which leavesworkers in the area and particularly below exposed to 2.5 tonnes ofmaterial. When a pack of trusses are first lifted into position on topof the block walls prior to the construction of the roof, the pack mustbe secured in place before any further working on the roof can takeplace.

Currently, the main way to secure the pack of trusses to a roof is byusing pieces of 4×1 bracing which are temporarily tacked on. Theseplanks of wood are secured with 3 in nails, normally two nails at thetop and a further two nails onto part of the constructed roof or, ifthis has not yet been constructed, the 4×1 planks will have to be nailedinto the scaffold. This can cause an additional hazard because there isthe potential for the planks to obstruct any walkway over thescaffolding. Such a connection system also puts more pressure on the 4×1planks because of the length of distance each plank has to go over.

The disadvantage of this method of erecting a roof is that there aretonnes of pre-prepared weight that are not secured in position before aconstruction worker has time to fix the trusses to anything. At present,when a construction worker needs to get a truss out from the pack, theconstruction worker has to unsecure the whole pack held in place withthe 4×1 planks, which means the whole pack is unstable and could fall.The pack of trusses are insecurely held in place when only fixed usingsmall planks and these planks continually have to be removed when aconstruction worker wishes to take a truss from the pack to fix thattruss in position.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the knownart.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedtruss support system comprising a support pole, a connector located atone end of the support pole and for connecting to a scaffold pole, afirst extendable arm connected at one end to the support pole andextending away from the support pole, and a first fixing plate connectedto the first extendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole,characterised in that the system further comprises a second extendablearm connected at one end to the support pole and extending away from thesupport pole, and a second fixing plate connected to the secondextendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of operating a truss support system comprising receiving atruss support system comprising a support pole, a connector located atone end of the support pole, a first extendable arm connected at one endto the support pole and extending away from the support pole, and afirst fixing plate connected to the extendable arm at the opposite endto the support pole, connecting the connector to a scaffold pole,extending the arm to contact a truss, and connecting the fixing plate tothe truss, characterised in that the system further comprises a secondextendable arm connected at one end to the support pole and extendingaway from the support pole, and a second fixing plate connected to thesecond extendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole, and themethod further comprises the steps of extending the second arm tocontact a second truss and connecting the second fixing plate to thesecond truss.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a much more secure andsafe method of handling building components such as roof trusses duringthe construction of, for example a roof. The truss support systemprovides the ability to secure a pack of roof trusses to a scaffoldalready in situ on the roof. The trusses can be lifted by a mechanicallifting aid or crane onto the roof and instead of having to be held inplace by for example, ply wood and a couple of nails, the roof trusseswill be securely held by the support system ensuring the safety of thepeople working on the roof. Additionally, the truss support systemprovides the benefit of an extendable arm which holds the trusses inplace, which is flexible enough to allow a construction worker to removeone truss at a time whilst keeping the rest of the trusses secure andeveryone safe. The truss support system provides versatile security andsafety and also has the ability to be used in other situations, forexample to hold a spandrel or any other modular building panel in place.The truss support system is a device that that can be used to clampbuilding components securely in position improving the safety of workingconditions around these components.

The truss support system has a second extendable arm connected at oneend to the support pole, and a second fixing plate connected to thesecond extendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole. Byproviding two extendable arms on the truss support system, the securityand safety of the truss support system is greatly increased. The secondextendable arm can be used to connect to the opposite side of the packof trusses to the side that are connected to the first extendable arm.This allows the pack of trusses to be held securely in an uprightposition with both sides of the pack being fixed to an extendable arm ofthe truss support system, both arms being connected to the support pole,which is itself connected to a scaffold pole of the local scaffolding.

Advantageously, the extendable arm is rotatable around the support poleand the second extendable arm is rotatable around the support pole. Thetruss support system can be enhanced by the extendable arms beingrotatable around the support pole, as well as the arms being extendable.This makes it much easier for a construction worker to manoeuvre thefixing plates on the end of the extendable arms into position adjacentand contacting the opposite sides of the pack of trusses. Theconstruction worker is able to fix the truss support system to thescaffold pole first and then rotate and extend the two arms into thecorrect position to then secure the fixing plates to the two oppositesides of the pack of trusses.

The rotation provided to the two arms also makes it easier for aconstruction worker to remove a single truss from the pack of trusses,as a fixing plate (on either side) can be disconnected from the pack oftrusses and then swung away from the pack using the rotation of thespecific arm to remove a truss. After a truss has been removed, then thespecific arm can be rotated back into position, the extension adjustedto take into account the removal of a truss from the pack and thespecific fixing means can then again be secured in position on theremaining trusses in the pack of trusses.

Ideally, the second extendable arm is releasably connected to thesupport pole and can be connected to the support pole at differentlocations providing different spacing from the first extendable arm. Iftwo arms are present in the truss support system, then the secondextendable arm is preferably height adjustable relative to the firstextendable arm. For example, the second extendable arm could be slidablymounted on the support pole, allowing the spacing between the two armsto be adjusted. This allows the truss support system to be used ondifferent sizes of trusses, as a construction worker using the systemcan set the relative heights of the two extendable arms according to thesize of the pitch of the truss, for example.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partially constructed building,

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the truss support system,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 , showing the system ofFIG. 2 in use,

FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the truss supportsystem,

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the components of theembodiment of FIG. 4 , and

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 .

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a partially constructed building 30,which has walls 32 already constructed including the ends walls 34.Scaffolding 36 is erected adjacent to the building 30, so that thoseworking on the building can work safely at height. A pack 38 of trusses22 has been lifted into position and is resting on the walls 32. Thesetrusses 22 must be taken in turn from the pack 38 and secured in placeby a construction worker or carpenter who is constructing the roof usingthe trusses 22. Prior to any work using the trusses 22, the pack 38 mustbe secured in position, given the weight of the pack 38 and thepotential for work accidents involving the pack 38.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a truss support system 10 that can be usedto secure the pack 38 of trusses 22 shown in FIG. 1 . The truss supportsystem 10 comprises a support pole 12, a connector 14 located at one endof the support pole 12 and for connecting to a scaffold pole, a firstextendable arm 18 connected at one end to the support pole 12 andextending away from the support pole 12, and a first fixing plate 20connected to the extendable arm 18 at the opposite end to the supportpole 12. The system 10 also comprises a second extendable arm 24connected at one end to the support pole 12 and extending away from thesupport pole 12, and a second fixing plate 26 connected to the secondextendable arm 24 at the opposite end to the support pole 12.

Both the first extendable arm 18 and the second extendable arm 24 arerotatable around the support pole 12. The second extendable arm 24 isconnected to the support pole 12 at the opposite end to the connector 14and the first extendable arm 18 is connected to the support pole 12in-between the second extendable arm 24 and the connector 14. The trusssupport system 10 can be mounted on a conventional scaffold pole and beused to secure and support the pack 38 of trusses 22, for example asshown in FIG. 1 . The connector 14 comprises an elongate tube 14, withthe support pole 12 located in one end of the elongate tube 14, with theother end of the elongate tube 14 open to receive a scaffold pole 16.

FIG. 3 shows the truss support system 10 of FIG. 2 in use, in the worksituation shown in FIG. 1 . The system 10 has been connected to ascaffold pole 16 via the connector 14 and the first fixing plate 20 hasbeen connected to one side of the pack 38 of trusses 22. The firstfixing plate 20 is provided with a number of holes, for example, fourholes, that can be used to screw the first fixing plate 20 to the endtruss 22 of the pack 38. In this way, once the pack 38 of trusses 22 hasbeen moved into position on top of the walls 32, the pack 38 can besafely and securely held by the truss support system 10.

The second extendable arm 24 on the truss support system 10 increasesthe security and safety of the truss support system 10. The secondextendable arm 24 can be used to connect to the opposite side of thepack 38 of trusses 22 to the side that are connected to the firstextendable arm 18. This allows the pack 38 of trusses 22 to be held fromboth sides. The trusses 22 are securely fixed in an upright position.Both sides of the pack 38 can be fixed to an extendable arm 18 and 24 ofthe truss support system 12. Both of these arms are connected to thesupport pole 12, which is connected to a scaffold pole 16 of thescaffolding. A second truss support system 10 can also be used, toincrease the security of the pack of trusses, located on the oppositeend of the scaffolding 36 to the first truss support system 10, againwith the two arms 18 and 24 connected on opposite sides of the pack oftrusses.

The system 10 provides a secure and safe method of handling the trusses22 during the construction of a roof. The truss support system 10 isable be used to secure a pack 38 of trusses 22 to an existing scaffoldpole 16 already in situ on the roof. The trusses 22 are lifted, forexample by a crane, onto the roof. The roof trusses 22 are securely heldin place ensuring the safety of any people working on the roof. Thetruss support system 10 has the benefit of an extendable arm 18 whichholds the trusses 22 in place. The first arm 18 is flexible enough toallow the removal of one truss 22 at a time, while keeping the rest ofthe trusses 22 secure and ensuring the safety of those working in thevicinity.

The first extendable arm 18 is connected to the support pole 12 at rightangles to the support pole 12 and the second extendable arm 24 isconnected to the support pole 12 at right angles to the support pole 12.The second extendable arm 24 is releasably connected to the support pole12 and can be connected to the support pole 12 at different locationsproviding different spacing from the first extendable arm 18. Thisallows the second extendable arm 24 to be height adjustable relative tothe first extendable arm 18. This provides flexibility in the operationof the truss support system 10, allowing the system 10 to be used withdifferent sizes of truss 22.

The truss support system 10 of FIG. 2 can be constructed using standardscaffold poles. The support pole 12 and both extendable arms 18 and 24cam be formed from standard scaffold poles. Each arm 18 and 24 isconnected to the support pole 12 by a swivelling T-joint with a lockingcollar. Each of the arms 18 and 24 are provided with adjustment safetybolts that allow the arms 18 and 24 to be locked in position at theirchosen extension. The second fixing plate 26 is rotatable 90 degreeswhich allows the second fixing plate 26 to be swung out of positionwhile the second extendable arm 24 is manoeuvred into position and thenswung back into place to be fixed to a truss 22. In a preferredembodiment of the truss support system 10, the measurements of thevarious components are as follows. The support pole 12 is 1624 mm longand the connector 14 is 600 mm long. The first extendable arm 18 is 743mm long in its non-extended form and has 400 mm of extension. The secondextendable arm 24 is 1294 mm long in its non-extended form and has 800mm of extension.

FIG. 3 shows the truss support system 10, in use. The system 10 has beenconnected to a scaffold pole 16 via the connector 14 and the firstfixing plate 20 has been connected to one side of the pack 38 of trusses22. The first fixing plate 20 is provided with a number of holes thatare be used to screw the fixing plate 20 to the end truss 22 of the pack38. The second extendable arm 24 is extended to the correct length to behooked over the pack 38 of trusses 22 and the second fixing plate 26 isfixed to the opposite side of the pack 38 of trusses 22, via holesprovided in the second fixing plate 26. In this way, once the pack 38 oftrusses 22 has been moved into position on top of the walls 32, the pack38 can be safely and securely held by the truss support system 10, withthe two fixing plates 20 and 26 securing opposite sides of the pack 38of trusses 22.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the truss supportsystem 10. As in the previous embodiment, the system 10 comprises asupport pole 12, a connector 14 located at one end of the support pole12 and for connecting to a scaffold pole, a first extendable arm 18connected at one end to the support pole 12 and extending away from thesupport pole 12, and a first fixing plate 20 connected to the firstextendable arm 18 at the opposite end to the support pole 12. The system10 also comprises a second extendable arm 24 connected at one end to thesupport pole 12 and extending away from the support pole 12, and asecond fixing plate 26 connected to the second extendable arm 24 at theopposite end to the support pole 12.

The truss support system 10 of FIG. 4 differs from the first embodimentin a number of ways, but the general principles of construction andoperation remain the same. The support pole 12 is telescopic, whichmeans that the height of the support system 10 is adjustable. The secondextendable arm 24 is telescopic and is formed in three sections whichallows this arm 24 to be extended over longer distance. The firstextendable arm 18 is formed so that the first fixing plate 20 is mountedon a part of the arm 18 that is screwed relative to the remainder of thearm 18.

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the different components of thetruss support system 10 of FIG. 4 . The support pole 12 is formed from anumber of tubes that can be telescoped up and down. The two extendablearms 18 and 24 are formed from multiple individual components. In thecase of the first extendable arm 18, a first part of the arm is formedfrom a circular cross-section tube into which is screwed a second partwhich has the first fixing plate 20 mounted on the opposite end thereof.The second extendable arm 24 is formed from three square cross-sectiontubes of different sizes that telescope together. A groove and lockableratchet system is provided that allows the extension of the secondextendable arm 24 to be controlled. The second fixing plate 26 ismounted on one end of the second extendable arm.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of the truss support system 10 of FIGS. 4 and 5 ,with the two extendable arms 18 and 24 folded down against the supportpole 16. The second embodiment of the truss support system 10 isconstructed so that the two extendable arms 18 and 24 can be foldeddown, when the system 10 is not in use. Each arm 18 and 24 is connectedto the support pole 16 by a hinge which can be locked and unlocked asrequired. The support system 10 can be transported with the twoextendable arms 18 and 24 folded down so that they are parallel to thesupport pole 16 and then when the truss support system 10 is to be used,the two extendable arms 18 and 24 can be hinged so that they are nowperpendicular to the support pole 16 and then the extendable arms 18 and24 can be locked in the perpendicular position.

1. A truss support system comprising a support pole, a connector locatedat one end of the support pole and for connecting to a scaffold pole, afirst extendable arm connected at one end to the support pole andextending away from the support pole, and a first fixing plate connectedto the first extendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole,wherein the system further comprises a second extendable arm connectedat one end to the support pole and extending away from the support pole,and a second fixing plate connected to the second extendable arm at theopposite end to the support pole.
 2. A truss support system as claimedin claim 1, wherein the first extendable arm is rotatable around thesupport pole.
 3. A truss support system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe second extendable arm is rotatable around the support pole.
 4. Atruss support system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondextendable arm is connected to the support pole at the opposite end tothe connector and the first extendable arm is connected to the supportpole in-between the second extendable arm and the connector.
 5. A trusssupport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first extendable armis connected to the support pole at right angles to the support pole. 6.A truss support system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondextendable arm is connected to the support pole at right angles to thesupport pole.
 7. A truss support system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe second extendable arm is releasably connected to the support poleand can be connected to the support pole at different locationsproviding different spacing from the first extendable arm.
 8. A trusssupport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises anelongate tube, with the support pole located in one end of the elongatetube, with the other end of the elongate tube open to receive a scaffoldpole.
 9. A method of operating a truss support system comprisingreceiving a truss support system comprising a support pole, a connectorlocated at one end of the support pole, a first extendable arm connectedat one end to the support pole and extending away from the support pole,and a first fixing plate connected to the extendable arm at the oppositeend to the support pole, connecting the connector to a scaffold pole,extending the arm to contact a truss, and connecting the fixing plate tothe truss, wherein the system further comprises a second extendable armconnected at one end to the support pole and extending away from thesupport pole, and a second fixing plate connected to the secondextendable arm at the opposite end to the support pole, and the methodfurther comprises the steps of extending the second arm to contact asecond truss and connecting the second fixing plate to the second truss.